Your space

Sofas are often the largest item in a room; so, before you begin browsing, consider the room you are putting it in.

Christian, our CEO, has an interior mantra he swears by: measure twice, buy once. This is key in sofa buying prep. Carefully measure the area where you want your new sofa to sit, including the length and depth. If you’re not sure where you want your sofa to go, try marking out areas with masking tape or newspaper sheets. This will help you get a feel for how it could look in certain positions.

If you have a small room, it may be tempting to squeeze in the largest sofa that will fit; this will only make your space feel even smaller. Similarly, a regular-sized sofa in a large room could make the room feel empty. Choosing a sofa that’s proportionate to your room is not only a smart choice but it’s one that will pay off in the long run.

How many people do you need to seat? Think carefully about how you’d like to use your new sofa, and how many people it will need to seat. This will determine the type of sofa that’s right for you.

Do you like to put your feet up and stretch out? Will it need to accommodate guests? Your new sofa will be with you for many years to come, so it’s worth spending the time now firming up your needs.

Access and delivery

When it comes to delivering your new sofa, your access route is just as important as the room it will end up in. After all, no one wants to be disappointed on delivery day.

Have a quick walk around your home and note any areas that might be problematic, like narrow hallways, low ceilings, tight corners or unforgiving staircases. The diagonal measurement between the bottom rear corner of your sofa and the top of the arm is crucial, as this represents the minimum width of the doorway that the sofa will fit through.

Be sure to check these dimensions against your access route before buying.

Sofa types

Every sofa is different, and each comes with its own benefits. Let us take you through some of the most popular types available to help you find the one that best meets your needs.

Two-seater sofas: the small space solution
Compact but perfectly formed, two-seater sofas are ideal for smaller spaces, like small living rooms, bedrooms and snugs. They often come with either one long or two seat cushions.

Three-seater sofas: a popular and versatile choiceThree-seater sofas are our most popular sofa type. They’re spacious, have plenty of room to get comfortable, and come with either two or three seat cushions.

Modular sofas: complete flexibilityModular sofas offer the ability to change things up. You can create a combination that works for you, then adapt it as your needs alter. Modular sofas tend to be larger than three-seater sofas so are a great choice for open-plan areas.

Corner sofas: perfect for lounging
Corner sofas make relaxing easy. They’re roomy enough for two people to put their feet up and can accommodate a number of guests. They make a great choice for social spaces as the corner formation encourages conversation.

Sofa beds: ideal for guestsSofa beds look and act like a normal sofa during the day but transform into a bed at night. They’re ideal if you have lots of guests, or if your home doesn’t have a spare bedroom.

Find your style

Now that you know what type of sofa you’re looking for, it’s time to explore a range of styles. Our fabulous collection includes everything from contemporary pieces to design classics.

And…relax
Sofas that have low backs, arms and feet – or even no feet at all – lend a casual feel to a room. They’re ideal for day-to-day activities like lounging, reading, napping and working and are incredibly versatile. These types are ideal for busy family life.

A formal feel
If you’re after something slightly more formal, then choose a high-backed sofa. These sofas also tend to have high arms and tall feet and have an elegant and graceful appearance.

Mid-century icons
Mid-century sofas speak for themselves. They have a classic look that will simply never date.

It’s all in the detail
Our range includes designs that have special details like large buttons, contrasting fabrics, external stitching, deep buttoning and stylish curves – whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it at Nest.

Comfort is key
Soft and squishy, or firm and supportive? Every sofa should be comfortable, but what that means can vary wildly from one person to the next.

If you like to feel supported when sitting, consider choosing a sofa with a high back and arms. However, if you like to sink into something soft and pillowy at the end of a long day, have a look at our deep-seated, feather-filled sofas. If being able to lie down and nap on your sofa is important to you, be sure to choose one that’s not only big enough for you to do so but one that has low arms so that you can rest your head comfortably.

Material and colour

The key to ensuring your new sofa fits seamlessly into your home and lifestyle is the material you choose. We have both fabric and leather sofas, each of which comes with a range of benefits.

Fabric
Fabric sofas are supremely inviting. They are soft to the touch and come in a spectrum of colours. They can be made of wool, which is springy and has a natural stain resistance, or a wool and synthetic blend, which is highly durable.

Leather
Leather has a luxurious look and feel and is exceptionally resilient. Over time it will soften and gain character, whilst still retaining its shape and strength. Generally speaking, leather sofas tend to get better with age. If well maintained, a leather sofa can last a lifetime.

Colour
While colour is a hugely personal choice, certain shades work better than others in specific situations. Neutral is the way to go if you like to change your décor regularly, while dark colours are great for busy, high-traffic areas that are at a greater risk of spills and spillages.

Swatches are available to help you reach a decision. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to source for you.

Filling

How your sofa is filled will not only impact on how comfortable it is but how it looks too.

Foam
Foam sofas feel firm and supportive and have a tailored appearance. Over the years, the foam will naturally compact and lose a little of its volume, but this process is much slower with a high resilience foam. To ensure even wear, it helps to turn and plump cushions occasionally.

Fibre
Fibre-filled sofas have a softer, more relaxed look and feel. They’re exceptionally comfortable but require maintenance to keep them looking their best. Turn and plump cushions on a regular basis to maintain comfort and even wear.

Feather
Feather-filled sofas have a casual look and a softer sit, ideal if you like to sink into your sofa. Note: you’ll need to plump up the cushions daily.

How to care for your new sofa

Once you’ve welcomed your dream sofa into your home, you’ll want to keep it looking and feeling its best. The following suggestions are recommended for general care, but for more specific instructions, please always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Caring for fabric sofas

Direct sunlight or heat can cause minor fading to your upholstery, especially when it comes to materials such as cotton and linen. We all love to bask in the sun but ensuring that your sofa isn’t exposed to sunlight is well worthwhile. To avoid ingrained stains or dulling, we recommend that you lightly brush or vacuum your sofa weekly. If you do accidentally stain the upholstery, then most materials can be wiped clean with a soft damp cloth, except for delicate materials like 100% soft wool.

Caring for leather sofas

To keep leather looking its best, dust weekly with a clean cloth. If you do spill something, use a clean, damp cloth to mop up any excess. Try not to rub and don’t use too much water as it can stain. Remove light scratches by gently buffing with a slightly damp cloth. And remember, just like fabric, leather is not immune to the fading effects of sunlight. Keep leather sofas at least 30cm away from direct heat sources to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you need further help, please get in touch by calling 0114 243 3000, email: info@nest.co.uk or via Live Chat.

The HAY Mags Sofa is the perfect choice for smaller spaces

Choosing a sofa that’s proportionate to your room is not only a smart choice but one that will pay off in the long run.

The Muuto Outline Sofa is a simple and well-considered design which maximises the area available for sittingConnect is a modular sofa with a modern, yet timeless Scandinavian aesthetic

Our collection includes everything from contemporary pieces to design classics.

The Softline Meghan Sofa Bed can be used as a comfortable couch during the day and a bed for two at nightThe Florence Knoll Sofa is widely regarded as the ultimate mid-century modern sofa designThe Vitra Mariposa Sofa has side and backrest elements which can be individually adapted for various sitting or reclining positions

Swatches are available to help you reach a decision. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to source for you.

The Jaime Hayon designed Favn Sofa was created to embraces you

Our expert advice for your interior needs.

We have years of experience in dealing with modern furniture and designer brands - and we'd like to share it with you. Our buying guides take you through all the practicalities of investing in forever furniture, giving you the confidence to choose the perfect items for your home.

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